Collection: Michael Albrechtsen Artist Biography and Art Gallery Collection

Michael Albrechtsen is an American artist born in Bountiful Utah at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains.  He was recruited by Hallmark straight from Utah State University where he received a Master of Fine Arts Degree. During his college years he took many courses in technical drafting learning much about line drawings, shading, and three-dimensional renderings. This training has had a major effect on the way Michael paints. It has trained him to see detail and strive for accuracy. Michael Albrechtsen may have started his fine art career a little later than a lot of artists, but he has dramatically made up for lost time. His decision to make art a career move came in in 1989 and his decision to leave the corporate world behind and make a commitment to his love of fine art came a few years later and he's never looked back. 

Michael Albrechtsen developed a strong interest and connection with the out of doors at an early age. "I paint in oil because I like the rich colors and how forgiving it is," he says. "I love the way the light affects things. The light changes throughout the day, changing its effect on objects. The time of year, the temperature, or the area of the country all play a part in the way the light changes. I try to take days off from painting and it just doesn't work. Painting is a way for me to to express my emotions for what I see around me. Whether or not I am able to sell anything is secondary. I would still have to paint."

Michael Albrechtsen explored the rural landscape with his friends and family. He was encouraged by both his Mother and Grandmother to work with his art rather than follow the family occupation of mechanical engineering. Michael's dream was sports but for some reason he always carried a camera with him. While participating as a Mormon missionary in Thailand he carried a sketch pad with him and he became more and more interested in pursuing a career in art. Michael, still not sure of his career desires discussed his love of the arts with his wife, Lynda, who encouraged him to pursue his interest. Michael transferred to the Utah State University at Logan to delve into his interest in the fine arts. This emersion in painting was a huge boost in his abilities and desire to paint.

With Hallmark Michael Albrechtsen moved to Kansas City. During his employment with Hallmark he was in a unique position where he was allowed to use his experience as a landscape and figure painter to do specialty cards for the masculine line of cards.

Michael Albrechtsen mixes what he sees and what he wants to see in developing his paintings. He may add a stream, a mountain, or waterfall to achieve the feeling he wants for his painting. Sometimes he will work some low mountains into the background just to give something for the colors to contrast against. Michael is fascinated by landscapes but also loves painting figures. Especially when those figures are of his family and loved ones. While in school Michael did a lot of figure work with models but now tries to paint figures at least once a week, mostly his children. When doing figures he only paints those he loves. Michael is very close to his family. While doing a workshop in Texas, at night he would practice a magic trick just to be able to show it to his children when he returned. When he has to be away to paint or teach his family is always on his mind.